[Black Aces] Writing Tips - Fantasy Sports Forums

Dobber · #1 01-24-2011, 10:37 AM

If you want to contribute to this section with some quick thoughts, then by all means please do. However, if you are interested in posting a full-blown column with the hopes of perhaps getting the odd one up on the front page and then eventually parlaying that into a writing gig, I thought I would provide some writing tips. It will help you get to the next level in term of your writing skills.

1) The first thing that jumps out at me are the numbers. If a number is below 10, then you write it out in full. One, two, ..., nine, 10, 11. Also first, second, ..., ninth, 10th, 11th.
2) Overusing "I" and "me". You can use those terms, but try not to. Take the focus off of you, if possible.
3) Hyphenation. If two words are used to describe something (adjectives) and one word is related to the next, then hyphenate it. The 20 year old Tommy Smith (wrong). The 20-year-old Tommy Smith (correct).
4) plus/minus: use plus-10 and minus-10 instead of +10 and -10
5) Length: 300 words will not get it to the front page. I'd need at least 550.
6) Stating the obvious - re-read your column. Did you say something in the second paragraph and third sentence that has already been said or is blatantly obvious? You may want to remove it.
7) Related to 1) - never begin a sentence with a number and if you absolutely must, then spell it out every time, even if it is above nine. 10 times out of 10, this sentence looks bush. Ten times out of 10, this sentence looks professional.

I'll dig up some guidelines that I have from one of the magazines that I write for and post it here if you really want to go in-depth with getting this right.

metaldude26 · #2 01-24-2011, 10:39 AM

Consider this bookmarked!

GMGates · #3 01-24-2011, 10:58 AM

Awesome! Consider this Stickied!

metaldude26 · #4 01-24-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMGates

Awesome! Consider this Stickied!

Just had to one up me!

GMGates · #5 01-24-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metaldude26

Just had to one up me!

Haha

I just wanted to add that any member wishing to post an article or contribution in the PG Section to simply send myself or Praba a PM indicating your intentions. We'll most likely say yes - I've yet to refuse someone - but it's just to help regulate traffic.

GMG

JD88 · #6 01-24-2011, 12:01 PM

Great tips from the man himself thanks very much for this!!

dyzfunctioned · #7 01-24-2011, 01:15 PM

Good tips I hate when people don't write out numbers... If I'm writing an essay or anything I usually write out numbers unless they're over 100.

On a related note, if I post up my sociology essay will you proof read it?

JD88 · #8 01-24-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dyzfunctioned

Good tips I hate when people don't write out numbers... If I'm writing an essay or anything I usually write out numbers unless they're over 100.

On a related note, if I post up my sociology essay will you proof read it?

I am for sure guilty of this and a few other points that Dobber noted which is why I am very appreciative that he posted this. I am trying to get better at my writing I sometimes just wish that I had a program that I could link to my brain and would type out what I am think with proper grammar and spelling. For now I am going to do my best to take these notes and ingrain them into my brain. Thanks Again Dobber

GMGates · #9 01-24-2011, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobber

I'll dig up some guidelines that I have from one of the magazines that I write for and post it here if you really want to go in-depth with getting this right.

Just keep adding to your Original Post. All tips, tricks and information is very appreciated.

Thanks again Dobber.

Bomm Bastic · #10 01-24-2011, 03:32 PM

To outta fore posters agree, Dbber is the man.

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